Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released a statement following the devastating shooting in Pittsburgh, as communities across the country come together to mourn:

“As our nation mourns the loss of eleven Americans killed in a senseless act of gun violence this weekend, we must all take a moment to reflect on how we can promote kindness, tolerance, respect, and dignity. We all must stand together in the face of hateful rhetoric, prejudice, and anti-Semitism. Whether you join a vigil like I am this evening, or take a moment for personal reflection, I encourage San Diegans and all Americans to consider what role they play in our nation’s dialogue. And I urge the president to consider his own role in creating an atmosphere of hatred, mistrust of others, and anger that incubates these horrific actions. 

The tragedy in Pittsburgh was motivated by anti-refugee rhetoric, and yet, the president is dispatching more than 5,000 troops to our border with Mexico, well over the number of men, women, and children who are believed to be in the first caravan, literally running for their lives. This action is more about politics than national security and it was exactly the wrong thing to do to diffuse hostilities. I call on every political leader — Republicans in particular — to urge the President to encourage calm, instead of inciting rage.”

Rep. Peters will attend tonight’s Standing Together Against Hate vigil at Congregation Beth Israel at 7pm.